Date:         Mon, 20 May 2013 17:47:46 -0400
Reply-To:     Bill Monk <billmonk@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Monk <billmonk@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: GoWesty 1.5 Spring Install - 2WD
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <BAY152-DS16270FE1D02FEBC3F52F15A0AF0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

I have installed a few sets of the GoWesty 2w lift springs. The rears are
pretty easy but the fronts are really long and you will need a good
spring compressor like this one suggested by van-cafe. It won't scratch 
up the powder coating and won't get stuck like the cheap ones found
at the local part stores. It feels safe when the spring is compressed 
and using this compressor I really don't have to take much apart. 
With the rears all I have to do is remove the tire,the shock and slip
in/out. The fronts not much more. 
http://shop.ktcautotools.com/products/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-bmw-toyota-honda
Here is what van-cafe has to say about this job:
Begin quick quote:::
Please note that we have not been able to install these springs with most common spring compressors (clamshell and external coil clamp styles) but found that the slip-in jaw/disc style would work with these springs:::End quick quote
Where are you located at? Wondering if your close to me or Dennis. 

Bill M
Mystic,CT
87 Zetec Turbo


Sent from my iPhone

On May 20, 2013, at 5:13 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:

> I have not installed the "Go Westy 2 WD drive springs so I can't say. Most of the other replacement springs are longer than the older tired and compressed springs. There are a few tricks that will help. 
> 
> As part of spring replacement consider also replacing the front radius rod (strut rod to the chassis) mounts and sleeve. They are shot. You may also find that you need to do some welding repair. Since the arm will be lowered beyond its normal range if not replacing, at least loosen the lower control arm mount. Twisting this bushing too far is what causes them to move in the arm and get torn up. This mount should stay loose until everything is back together and the van is on the ground. Then tighten with the arm in the normal loaded position.
> 
> You will need to do an alignment twice, especially with raised springs. The radius rod and upper control geometry gets bit messed up at the upper limits. As the springs settle the toe and camber will need to be set again. 
> 
> I have recently been very pleased with OE springs from Bus Depot and the Syncro.org. These have also proven very nice with the Bilstein shocks and 17 inch wheel combinations.  
> 
> Dennis
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of SJKnell
> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 2:16 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: GoWesty 1.5 Spring Install - 2WD
> 
> I’m going to purchase the GoWesty 1.5 lift springs for my 1985 Westfalia. I’ve heard they are difficult to install. Any recommendations on which tool to use, where to rent it, ect... ect... ?
> 
> Thanks
> 
> Scott